2023 Tesla Model 3
Overview
Say what you want about Tesla and its leader Elon Musk—and there’s an awful lot to unpack there—but the Model 3 electric car changed the rules of the EV game. Its relatively affordable price tag, impressive driving range, and strong performance have made it a big seller and keep it competitive still against the rising tide of newer electric offerings such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Polestar 2. Scrutiny of our own long-term Model 3 as well as multiple test cars has shown that build quality is so-so. In the land of the SUV, some drivers would surely prefer the Model Y SUV instead but the Model 3 is easy to live with and fun to drive. The Long Range model offers an estimated 358 miles of range, so in our mind, it’s the one to buy, even if we’re enticed by the Performance trim’s extra power and racier look.
What’s New for 2023?
For now, nothing has changed for the 2023 editions of Tesla’s most affordable model. However, reports indicate that the electric sedan may soon receive a styling refresh—although given Tesla’s history the updated Model 3 may not be ready until the 2024 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The base rear-wheel-drive model is a good value, but its 272 miles of EPA-estimated driving range may not be enough to eliminate range anxiety for some drivers. We’d recommend the Long Range model that offers an estimated 358 miles of driving per charge. All Model 3s come standard with heated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed quickly, smoothly and almost silently, with the electric motor providing strong punch from a stop. And it’s fast—extremely so in some trims. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range model we tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance rockets to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds—0.5-second faster than our long-term Model 3 Long Range. Like all Teslas, the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of steering effort. The ride is firm without being harsh; without the noise of a gas-powered engine, however, you do hear plenty of road noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack and thrum over pavement imperfections.
More on the Model 3 Sedan
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Three distinct Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different estimated driving range. The base rear-wheel-drive model is the most affordable, with a claimed range of 272 miles. Upgrading to the Long Range or Performance models increase the Model 3’s estimated range to 315 miles for the Performance and an impressive 358 for the Long Range. Of course, this distance isn’t easy to achieve, as we found in our long-term Long Range Model 3 test vehicle. The Model 3 offers several different options for charging: Tesla’s network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers, adapters for DC public-charging stations, 240- and 120-volt outlets, and a home-charging station.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The various versions of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 138 MPGe by the EPA. Our test vehicle, however, managed only 84 MPGe when we took it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. The Model 3 comes standard with aluminum wheels that are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to know how much impact those hubcaps have on the car’s driving range, so we tested it and were surprised to find that they helped more than expected. For more information about the Model 3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other car on the market today. It’s shockingly simple inside, with nearly everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Buttons on the steering wheel control things like the exterior side view mirrors and the position of the steering column—and we wish those controls were of the conventional design instead. The Tesla’s low, flat floor makes for a spacious and airy feel inside. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear seats are positioned low and are cramped and uncomfortable; don’t expect adults to be able to spend long periods of time in them. Folding the 60/40 split-folding rear seats is simple and expands the trunk considerably. The Model 3’s seatbacks fold flat, too, providing an uninterrupted cargo floor for hauling larger items. With the rear seats folded, the Model 3 provides enough room for 15 carry-on suitcases. There are also generously sized bins and cubbies throughout the cabin.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity are standard, but the Model 3 is, oddly, not available with AM radio or SiriusXM satellite radio. Several internet-streaming radio options are standard. It also can’t be equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. To make charging-station layovers more bearable, the Model 3 offers plenty of entertainment options on its central display, including Netflix, YouTube, and a host of arcade games.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Although we question whether the name Autopilot is misleading, the driver-assist system has one of the best feature sets in the industry, with smooth operation and impressive capabilities such as automatic lane changes. For more information about the Model 3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Tesla’s overall warranty coverage is among the longest in the EV segment, but it’s disappointing that the coverage doesn’t include corrosion protection. The Long Range model includes an additional 20,000 miles on the coverage period of its battery and drive components.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $49,690/$57,690
POWERTRAIN
Front: induction AC motor, 184 hp, 177 lb-ft;
Rear: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, 241 hp, 298 lb-ft; 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM4
235/45R-18 98W M+S T0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Length: 184.8 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 56.8 in
Passenger Volume: 97 ft3
Cargo Volume: 15 ft3
Curb Weight: 4038 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 9.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.6 sec @ 112 mph
130 mph: 18.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 145 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 85 MPGe
EPA
FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 116/120/112 MPGe
Range: 310 miles
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2019 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance
VEHICLE TYPE
front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$66,190 (base price: $58,190)
POWERTRAIN
F: induction AC motor, R: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor
Combined Power (C/D est): 470 hp
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 75.0 kWh
TRANSMISSIONS
direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 235/35R-20 92Y Extra Load T0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Length: 184.8 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 56.8 in
Passenger volume: 97 ft3
Trunk volume: 15 ft3
Curb weight: 4072 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.1 sec
100 mph: 8.2 sec
1/4 mile: 11.6 sec @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.3 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 1.7 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 162 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 147 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.96 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph highway driving: 94 MPGe
Highway range: 220 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 116/120/112 MPGe
Range: 310 miles
More Features and Specs
